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Practical info Buenos Aires, Argentina

Getting around the city

The street structure, organised in a grid pattern, makes it easy to get around in Buenos Aires, and the best way to explore the city and take in its character is on foot. However, the city is serviced by an efficient, widespread and cheap public transport system that consists of buses and an excellent underground rail service (the Subte). Although it services most of the city centre, the Subte is not very extensive beyond the central core. The Subte is cost effective since it is charged per journey and not dependent on the distance travelled. Pre-paid Subte cards or passes can be purchased from the ticket booths (boleterias) at each station. It gets very hot and crowded in summer especially during peak hours, and closes between 10pm and 5am. The bus network is huge and covers the city, and although very useful for getting around, the overwhelming amount of routes make it confusing for tourists. Bus fares are paid in coins into an automatic ticket vending machine when boarding the bus. Many services run all night but with less frequency. There are also urban train services that can be useful for reaching the outlying suburbs. SUBE cards can be purchased at countless kiosks, shops and post offices throughout the city, which unify the bus and Subte services and reduce the cost of bus journeys. It is the most convenient means of payment. Taxis are everywhere and relatively inexpensive, but although generally safe, visitors should be aware that there are fake taxis that pick up tourists and rob them. It is safer to phone for a radio taxi or remise, a fixed-price radio cab booked in advance that acts like a chauffeur-driven car and can be cheaper than taxis over longer distances. They are more useful than renting a car for excursions from the city and even for a day's tour of the suburbs.

Time

GMT -3

Electricity

Electrical current in Argentina is 220 volts, 50Hz. Most hotels and offices use the three-pin flat plug, however most older buildings use the two-pin round plug.

Currency

The unit of currency is the Argentinean Peso (ARS). Currency can be exchanged at banks and cambios (bureaux de change) but it is easier to use ATMs, available in most towns, which reflect the current exchange rate. Major credit and debit cards are generally accepted, and US Dollars can be used in many tourist establishments.

Communication

The international access code for Argentina is +54. Mobile phones work on the GSM network, and therefore some USA and Canadian SIM cards will not work in Argentina. Mobile roaming charges can be very expensive, so a good option is to buy an Argentine SIM on arrival. Internet cafes are widely available and many hotels also offer internet access.

Climate

Buenos Aires has a humid subtropical climate with average temperatures ranging from 84°F (29°C) highs in summer (December to February) to 50°F (10°C) lows in winter (July to August). The heaviest rain falls during summer, early autumn and late spring, though rain can be expected at any time of the year. Many locals leave Buenos Aires during the hot summer months (December, January and February) and head for the coastal resorts.

Ministro Pistarini International Airport

Getting to the city

Manuel Tienda Leon runs a shuttle-bus to Madero Terminal in the city centre, where smaller shuttle buses connect passengers to final destinations. Rides to the city centre take about 40 minutes to an hour. Public buses are cheaper but can take up to two hours to the city centre. Metered taxis are available outside the terminal building. Reservations can be made from official booths just outside the customs area; unofficial taxis should be avoided. Private cars, also called remis, are a reliable option with fixed pre-set prices. They are available for hire on the lower level of both terminals or by phone.

Car rental

Car rental companies have desks in Terminal A.

Airport taxi's

Metered taxis are available outside the terminal buildings of Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport. Taxis have reservation booths inside the airport and visitors should confirm the price before making the reservation. Avoid touts and unlicensed taxis.

Transfer between terminals

Terminals A and B are linked by a covered walkway. Terminal C is a ten-minute walk from the other terminals.

Facilities

There are several shops, pharmacies, restaurants, cafes and bars, as well as duty-free shopping. Bureaux de change and ATMs are available as well as a 24-hour bank. There is a left-luggage facility and a tourist information desk in Terminal A. Other facilities include mobile phone hire, medical service, a VIP lounge and internet access. Facilities for the disabled are good.

Parking

Long and short-term parking is available in both a multi-level covered parking garage (adjacent to Terminal A) and an open-air lot.

Internet

Local mobile carrier Personal offers free wifi at the airport with no time limit.